The Tigers have struggled the last two weeks, beating Football Championship Series member Towson 38-22 on Saturday after winning at Auburn 12-10 last week. Still, LSU is the reigning Southeastern Conference champion and has won 29 of its last 32 games.

“Typical LSU, physical, tough,” Florida coach Will Muschamp said. “Recruited extremely well. They do a good job of developing their players. They have a physical style of play, which you appreciate as a coach.”

LSU is known for having one of the nation’s strongest defenses. The Tigers pose the biggest challenge yet for Florida’s resurgent offense. UF is running the ball well at 224.5 yards a game and has developed a playmaking quarterback in Jeff Driskel.

“This is a defining moment to see where we’re at,” Florida offensive coordinator Brent Pease said.

Driskel will be making his fourth career start at quarterback on Saturday. He’s completed 55-of-79 passes this season for a 69.6 percentage. Driskel has thrown four touchdown passes and interception. He’s also run for 148 yards with a score and averages 4.5 yards a carry.

“He’s been smart in understanding the defense of how he’s attacking them,” Pease said. “He has been aggressive. He’s fit balls in there and put them in good spots. He’s an accurate passer. That’s a great benefit of his, is he has great accuracy.”

The Gators appear in relatively good health coming off the bye week, but remain uncertain regarding linebacker Jelani Jenkins’ condition. The junior fractured his right thumb in a 20-17 win at Texas A&M on Sept. 8.

The Gators have been able to play strong defense without Jenkins, but could use him against LSU’s physical running game. Jenkins might be able to play in the game with a cast. Jenkins has started 25 games in his career (two vs. LSU) and made eight tackles against the Tigers last season. As a freshman, Jenkins returned an interception 47 yards against LSU.

“He provides some real speed for us on the field,” Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said. “I think the guy is a terrific blitzer. He can certainly match up tight-end wise when we get into our nickel package and his experience playing linebacker. I don’t think you can overlook that. So those three things, to me, would be big if we could get him back into our lineup.”

LSU also has an injury to monitor. Fullback J.C. Copeland, who weighs 272 pounds, injured his left leg in the fourth quarter against Towson and couldn’t put weight on it as trainers helped him off the field. LSU coach Les Miles wasn’t sure of the severity of the injury.